The above Scripture reading would have been quite brief if the critical views of this text were applied vigorously. There is a controversy concerning John 7:53 – 8:11. Good and godly scholars differ on the debate. This study will continue on the safe assumption that the text should not be ignored or removed. Time and space on this paper must be devoted to a greater controversy: Is Jesus the Light of the world or not?

Jesus was teaching and preaching in the temple during the Feast of Tabernacles (John 7:2, 14 – 8:2). There was division among the people concerning Jesus, including a failed attempt to arrest Him. As a diversion, the scribes and Pharisees brought in a woman, who was guilty of adultery, and tried to stir up an ethical issue that could turn into evidence against Jesus. This impromptu tactic was flawed and failed: How do you catch only one person in the very act of adultery? Jesus exposed their hypocrisy and they shamefully departed (John 8:3-11).

This story reveals a pattern that should make us careful. About the time we are very active, trying to accomplish something; trying to establish ourselves in our community or in society – an ethical situation comes up and we need to respond well. If we are caught off-guard and respond poorly our credibility and usefulness may be destroyed. How we need to be filled with the mind of Christ and operate with a pure heart (I Corinthians 9:24-27; Ephesians 5:1-21; Hebrews 12:1-3; I Peter 3:15-16)!

This story is also a picture of us. Like the woman, we are guilty and standing before the Lord. What He says matters most. How wonderfully Jesus forgives. How clearly Jesus warns, “…go and sin no more.” Salvation is not just from punishment. Salvation is from sin (Matthew 1:21; John 8:30-36; Romans 6:1-2, 17-18; Ephesians 2:8-10).

This story leads us to The Light – John 8:12.

The Life of Christ is light.

John 1:4-5	The world shuns this light cp. John 1:9-10; 3:17-21.
John 8:12	You cannot be a follower of Christ and continue to walk in the dark cp. John 12:35-36; I John 1:5-7; 2:6.
John 11:9-10	Light gives opportunity to walk well, without stumbling. If we stumble in the light, we can see what caused us to stumble and not continue stumbling over it cp. Ephesians 5:1-21.

The Love of Christ is light.
John 17:21-26; I John 2:8-11. See also II Corinthians 5:14-17; Ephesians 3:14-19.

The Word of Christ is light.
John 12:44-50. Not only what Christ said, but also what is said of Christ in the entire Bible is light that is life-changing for the soul of man cp. John 5:24, 37-47;17:6-8, 13-20; Luke 24:44-48; I John 5:9-12; John 6:63 (cp. Ephesians 4:20-21); I Peter 1:22-25. See also Colossians 3:16; Psalm 119:105, 130.